Cryogenic Deflashing for Lexan Molded Parts
Introduction to Lexan
Lexan is a trademarked form of polycarbonate plastic that is transparent and has both high impact resistance and heat resistance. It is used in various applications including housings, bullet-proof glazing and other parts that require optical grade quality and a high level of durability.
Molding Lexan Polycarbonate
Most components made of Lexan polycarbonate plastic are injection molded. The injection molded process leads to plastic bits of Lexan be melted and then injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. Once the Lexan part has cooled and transitioned into a solid part, the mold is opened, and the part ejected. The injection molding process can create Lexan parts quickly and cost-effectively with a great deal of repeatability. Blow molding and thermoforming can also be used to mold Lexan parts.
Lexan Applications
Lexan polycarbonate plastic can be molded into a wide range of parts for various applications across many industries. Here are just some examples:
- Consumer goods: electronic housings, phone covers, sports equipment, and more.
- Automotive: parts such as headlight lenses, instrument panels, and taillight covers.
- Aerospace: aircraft windows and glazing, interior panels, and other high-strength parts.
- Medical: medical devices such as trays, cases, and containers for medical instruments and equipment
- Construction: skylights, greenhouses, and other building components that require transparency and high impact resistance.
- Security: bullet-resistant windows and shields
Lexan Mold Flashing
A thin layer of residual Lexan plastic can extrude from the molded part after the injection molding operation is complete. This thin layer of plastic is known in the plastic industry as flash or mold flashing. Flashing is formed when molten material seeps out of the mold cavity and solidifies between the plates of the mold. Mold mismatch, too high clamping pressure, improper heat controls and or a bad mold design can all result in the formation of flashing. These variables can be fine-tuned and optimized to minimize or eliminate molding flash all together.
Sometimes, molds wear over time and the Lexan parts they produce will flash even with an optimized process. Nitrofreeze provides a rapid turnaround deflash process for your Lexan parts. Our batch deflashing service provides consistent and repeatable results part to part and batch to batch. If you are interested in sending in samples for a free deflash process evaluation, please contact us at (508) 459.7447 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com.